November was quite a busy month for us because we had the short term medical mission team serving here for 10 days. The members were all Chinese, but came from different countries such as Australia, Singapore and, of course, Hong Kong. This time we did not travel to lots of places, but focused on some new preaching points like Angkor Borei, Coconut village, etc. The demand was great and, of course, what we did could not meet all the needs. However, God granted us excellent team work and wonderful moments of sharing how God works in people's lives.

 

In addition, just after the team left, there was a 3-day retreat camp for the Chinese missionaries from Hong Kong. We were so glad that we had Ms. Chan Wing Yan of CGST to be our speaker and Pastor Jonathan Lam of HKACM to be our program chairman. Even though we were very tired, the fellowship with the speaker and other missionaries stirred up lots of insights for us. It reminded us of our vision, nature and being.

 

On top of all that, we finally have started the construction work at the property in Phnom Penh Thmei. We will build a covered playground of about 730 sq. meters. We have appointed a contractor after comparing several quotations, and it is estimated to be finished in 2 months. I will need to visit the site 3 or 4 times a week in order to see how the project is going. According to Khmer custom, the workers are used to offering a chicken or other items to their idols before commencing work. Thus, I was quite serious about visiting them on the first day that to declare that this land belongs to our Lord. I also requested our church planter, brother Lim, to pray for them and that the project would go smoothly. Thank God that they didn’t have much objection to our ‘strange’ act. Those workers are also our target to share the Good News, and so I told brother Lim to make use of every opportunity to share with them. Of course, another crucial thing is how we live out a Christian’s value in our daily contacts. May God grant us strength and patience to witness to His name.

 

When I settled back home from the camp, I needed to resume my Khmer study. I had already made good excuses to be absent from lessons for 2 weeks. Thus, the life long language study is to be continued. Actually, I still have a struggle if I am to be capable of preaching in Khmer before the end of this year (which will probably not happen). May God have mercy on my slow progress.

 

My time schedule seems filled up with different business now. Having 6 Khmer lessons every week, working with brother Isaac in the office in the mornings, visiting the construction sites, doing training at the villages (piglet scheme), preparing sermons, doing exercises, attending meetings….. It seems life is as busy as that in Hong Kong.

 

I believe that the brothers and sisters in Hong Kong are also busy in their demanding work. Let’s encourage each other so that we can experience God’s presence in midst of hardship and challenges. God is GREATER than our work.